AmeriCorps Environmental Steward Positions
The Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) is accepting applications for AmeriCorps Environmental Steward positions located throughout Maine for January 2013. MCC is dedicated to environmental education, outdoor recreation and conservation projects, volunteer opportunities, and developing career and leadership skills.
1700 hour positions receive a living allowance of $11,700 ($260/week for 45 weeks) and if eligible, an AmeriCorps education award of $5,645 upon successful completion of the program. Child care reimbursement is available to 1700 hour members, if eligible.
900 hour positions receive a living allowance of $6,240 ($260/week for 24 weeks) and if eligible, an AmeriCorps education award of $2,822 upon successful completion of the program.
Other benefits include health coverage, student loan forbearance & interest payment if eligible, experiential learning, a wide range of training and networking opportunities, and a Maine State Park Pass.
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry provides equal opportunity in employment and programs.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Accommodation arrangements must be requested in advance by contacting MCC staff.
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APPLICATION DEADLINE is November 7, 2014 FOR POSITIONS STARTING on January 5, 2015
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD – 1700 hours Term: January 5, 2015 - November 20, 2015
Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Volunteer River Monitoring Program and Stream TMDL
Host Site and Position Overview:
The MCC Environmental Steward will be working on two different projects within DEP- Volunteer River Monitoring Program (VRMP) and the Stream TMDL Program. Both projects focus on river and stream monitoring and each are described below.
The Volunteer River Monitoring Program is a network of volunteer groups that participate in quality assured river and stream sampling. This program was established in order to provide a standardized approach to sampling and data management, and has quality assurance/quality control requirements. As part of the program, VRMP staff provide the following: assistance with development of sampling & analysis plans, equipment loan, annual training and certification of volunteers, technical support and assistance, capacity building, data storage in DEP’s database and annual monitoring reports.
The Bacteria Project under the Stream TMDL Program investigates streams impaired by bacteria by conducting intensive sampling and surveying potential sources. This work is done to support removing these streams from Maine’s 303D list of impaired waters and assist stakeholders with their efforts to eliminate bacterial problems. Restoring these streams requires a partnership approach between towns, local volunteers and DEP to identify the specific sources of bacteria and develop elimination strategies. The project includes working to:
Educate towns, stakeholders and volunteers on their local bacterial problems
Identify sources of bacterial contamination through instream sampling and sanitary surveys
Develop strategies and build capacity with local stakeholders to eliminate sources
Compile bacterial sampling and survey results
Develop action plans to eliminate sources
Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week
Essential Functions:
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a US Citizen
- Must agree to criminal and sex offender background checks
- Have the ability to live and perform strenuous work under challenging conditions
- Have the desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference
- Follows directions
- Responsible and reliable
- Good communication skills
- Excellent work ethic
- Possesses motivation and initiative
- Interest in personal growth and in participating in on-going training
- Previous planning and fundraising experience
- Experience with volunteer management practices
- Eligibility for AmeriCorps and ability to complete term of service
- All state positions require a valid driver’s license with a good 5 year driving record
- College graduate desirable (preferably in biological or environmental discipline)
- Good computer skills-experience with GIS helpful
- Good communication skills(oral and writing)
- Can work independently on various aspects of the projects
- Ability to follow sampling protocols and keep records
- Primary responsibilities under the VRMP will include:
- Assist with annual data report to include: prepare GIS maps, create data reports and format/proof final reports
- Prepare for training and field season to include: prepare equipment for loan, update and prepare hand-outs, coordinate with volunteer groups on training logistics
- Assist with volunteer training sessions
- Provide QA/QC checks of volunteer groups
- Work with volunteer groups on follow-up monitoring and assessment of bacteria problems –dovetail with the TMDL Program
Conduct stream sampling following established protocols
- · Gather sampling equipment
- · Field reconnaissance of sites
- · Meet with collaborators
- · Create maps of streams and sites
- Coordinate volunteers to collect bacteria samples at 3 different waterbodies
- Perform laboratory analysis of samples using IDEXX Method
- Compile and analyze results
- Conduct sanitary surveys to narrow down potential sources
- Write reports on sampling efforts
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD – 1700 hours Term: January 5, 2015 - November 20, 2015
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
Location: Freeport
Host Site and Position Overview: The Environmental Steward will: Research and develop new interpretive programs. Do further research and develop written outlines for existing interpretive programs. Lead interpretive programs for scheduled groups and the general public at the park. Lead outreach programs at other parks and in the community. Promote our educational programming to schools, other groups, and the general public. Promote and recruit volunteers to help with park programs, maintenance, and repair. Perform repair and maintenance of park interpretive panels. Perform general maintenance and restoration of interpretive panels and 5-mile park trail system.
Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week, may include weekends and holidays.
Essential Functions:
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a US Citizen
- Must agree to criminal and sex offender background checks
- Have the ability to live and perform strenuous work under challenging conditions
- Have the desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference
- Follows directions
- Responsible and reliable
- Good communication skills
- Excellent work ethic
- Possesses motivation and initiative
- Interest in personal growth and in participating in on-going training
- Previous planning and fundraising experience
- Experience with volunteer management practices
- Eligibility for AmeriCorps and ability to complete term of service
- All state positions require a valid driver’s license with a good 5 year driving record
- · Experience in environmental education
- · Demonstrated public speaking skills
- · Planning and research experience
- · Natural History background
- · PowerPoint computer skills
- · Carpentry skills
- · Leading interpretive programs
- · Research and development of new interpretive programs
- · Volunteer management
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD – 1700 hour position Term: January 5, 2015 - November 20, 2015
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Wells
Host Site and Position Overview: Rachel Carson NWR is a special place; located where the northern boreal forest meets the eastern deciduous forest, where the Gulf of Maine’s 9 foot tides pump energy into the second largest salt marsh system in Maine, where the sandy mid-Atlantic coast meets the rocky Maine shore and special because of our namesake who started the modern environmental movement. Situated along 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties, the refuge consists of eleven divisions between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth. Wildlife comes first on all national wildlife refuges.
Days and Hours of Service: Monday through Friday 8-4:30, Occasional Weekends
Essential Functions:
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a US Citizen
- Must agree to criminal and sex offender background checks
- Have the ability to live and perform strenuous work under challenging conditions
- Have the desire to learn, serve others, and make a difference
- Follows directions
- Responsible and reliable
- Good communication skills
- Excellent work ethic
- Possesses motivation and initiative
- Interest in personal growth and in participating in on-going training
- Experience with volunteer management practices
- Eligibility for AmeriCorps and ability to complete term of service
- Applicants with college degree will be considered
- Applicants with college degree with degree in natural resources, environmental education, etc. will be given preference
- Research/ field work experience
- Knowledge of shorebirds, invasive species, and plants in Maine
- Skill in propagating plants and working in a greenhouse
- Experience driving trucks, trailers, and operating maintenance equipment
- Ability to teach and lead people/coordinating volunteers
- Knowledge of GIS and GPS
- Address roads and grounds at various refuge facilities
- Complete trail improvements on Timber Point and Goosefare Brook trails
- Recruit and coordinate volunteers
- Assist with habitat restoration and invasive species removal
- Assist with shorebird monitoring
- Responsibilities expand with capabilities and willingness
To apply contact career@mountida.edu for directions.
